A. Park at Wharf Road car park. Walk along the waterway and get in on the far side of the lock. Put in just past the lock and turn left, then left again onto the canalised River Chelmer.

B. There are ten locks along your route. They must be portaged as canoes and kayaks are not permitted to enter them.

C. Meander past water meadows, with an increasingly hilly and wooded backdrop.

D. After a couple of miles, the Sandford Mill area provides a typical canalscape in its ‘cut’ between two beautiful mellow brick bridges.

E. At your half way point you will come to Paper Mill Lock, with its tearooms and fascinating old canal buildings. This is the perfect spot to stop for lunch.

F. There are quieter moorings at tranquil Hoe Mill and true Constable country between there and Rickett’s Lock.

G. At just over 10 miles, there is a wonderful confluence of waters, as the navigation meets the River Blackwater, the derelict Langford Cut, and the top of the tideway. You take the left fork, onto the Blackwater here, and keep straight on.

H. After this, the Long Pond, a true canal now, carries the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation the last couple of miles to its own little salty seaport at Heybridge basin, part of Maldon.

I. Finish at the boat landing stage by Daisy Meadow car park, Heybridge Basin.